High Road Low Road 08.22.09: The Hardy Reunion
Posted by Chad Nevett on 08.21.2009
The Hardy reunion seems to be getting a positive reaction from the crowds, but is it getting a positive reaction from you? Let us know what you think, in this weeks High Road / Low Road.
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Uncletrunx takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for the Eric Young Heel Turn:
High Road: 100%
Low Road: 00%
Both Roads: 00%
The Hardys Reuniting
High Road:
A minor high road here, but I think it should be stated. We all have heard the rumors that Jeff Hardy could be leaving the WWE after SummerSlam. Therefore it made sense for the Hardys to reconcile before Jeff Hardy's departure.
Low Road:
It seems to me that we've been here before, many times. Every few months, there's a Hardy reunion; as such, this one doesn't feel special at all.
High Road:
As I stated above, there are rumors that Jeff Hardy is leaving at SummerSlam. I think that one of the reasons that the WWE reunited the Hardys is that they think that Matt Hardy could replace Jeff Hardy as one of their top stars on SmackDown. The only way that Matt Hardy could replace Jeff Hardy as the top baby face is if they had reconciled.
Low Road:
Matt Hardy is not going to be the top face on Smackdown; he may deserve it, he may have shown ability and loyalty to justify it but sadly, it's just not going to happen, now or in the future. This, it seems to me, is a quick pop for WWE rather than a long term elevation of Matt; I think that ship has sailed for him.
High Road:
When Matt Hardy was drafted to SmackDown, the first thought that came to mind was that the Jeff/Matt situation had to be addressed regardless of whether Matt was a heel or a baby face. After all the history both guys had, it did not make sense for both guys' paths not to cross.
Low Road:
I agree entirely. I don't think that having them team up as if nothing was ever wrong before and the whole Wrestlemania period didn't happen is the way to address it. Yes, we might see a swerve where Matt turns on Jeff again, but if we do then Jeff is just going to look like the biggest sucker on the planet.
High Road:
While it looks like the Hardys have reunited, the WWE still could swerve us again and have Matt Hardy turn on Jeff Hardy again. I think if Matt does turn on Jeff again, it would be huge because Matt would be responsible for kicking Jeff out of the WWE. I do not see the WWE doing this swerve because the reaction to the Hardys reuniting has been amazing, but it is something that we could see.
Low Road:
As I mentioned above, if we see the swerve, it will only make Jeff look like a fool; it's almost too obvious. As things stand, we need some explanation of what is happening; at the moment it just seems that the recent past is being ignored; a pet hate of mine as far as wrestling booking is concerned.
High Road:
The Hardys reuniting has been interesting to watch. The first week when Matt was the Guest Enforcer, he did help Jeff Hardy win, but he did not save him from the post match beatdown. The following week, he did save Jeff Hardy, but he only helped him up. The gradual progression of the storyline has been very interesting to watch.
Low Road:
It has, but the lack of an explanation has been frustrating. In such a situation, surely the two would have some sort of conversation about it? I know they aren't the best promo guys in WWE but some sort of conversation is needed at this point to make the situation somewhat logical.
High Road:
While I do think it is a bad idea for the WWE to abandon Matt Hardy's heel turn, I think the above reason make it a worthwhile idea. The other thing to point out is that I think that Matt Hardy's heel turn was only going to work on RAW. Thankfully, Matt Hardy was moved to SmackDown because I think at the end of the day, the heel turn would have failed on RAW because of the stale main event scene.
Low Road:
I prefer Matt as a heel. I loved his V.1 work and think that he was by far the most convincing and effective of the Hardys during the run to Wrestlemania. It seems to me that WWE has abandoned his heel run simply to gain the short term reaction before Jeff leaves. I don't see it being of huge benefit to Matt in the long term and it leaves too many questions unanswered for me at the moment.
Simply write "High Road", "Low Road", or "Both Roads" in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Freddy Neuwendyke Writes:
I'm going high road. Sure we all rolled around and laughed and snickered about Eric Young being scared of his pyro or looking for Elvis. Yeah wearing spongebob underoos to win a bikini contest may have been good for a few giggles but the joke had run it's course and it was high time for Eric Young to hunker down and get serious.
Sooner or later a wrestler has to move away from that sort of thing if they're gonna be seen as an actual contender and not just comedy filler. I mean look at Christian and Edge. Sure their five second poses and calling people reekazoid was funny but would you honestly see them as actual contenders for the big gold belt if they were still serenading Kurt Angle with kazoos? Nope so Christian evolved into Captain Charisma and Edge, The Ultimate Opportunist.
Sat: Yeah, the joke was no longer funny. And Edge and Christian are a good example of what can happen.
Uncletrunx: If Eric Young can make the same sort of transition, then all power to him. At the moment, he seems to be somewhat overshadowed by the "Main Event" members of the Main Event Mafia.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week's columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier. The comments section was last looked at on Wednesday Afternoon Pacific Time.
The Gold Standard Writes:
I'll agree with Sat and take the minor high road. I mean I like the push Eric Young is getting at the moment but I get the feeling he will go nowhere nor be elevated. I mean he could for the X-division title but I think TNA considers the Legends title more of a secondary title than the X-Division and I'm completely sold on now that the X-division title is now their form of a cruiserweight belt.
Sat: The Legends Championship is definitely being considered a secondary title and the X Division title is definitely the cruiserweight title now.
Uncletrunx: It's a pity. The X division title used to be one of the most interesting things in Wrestling, and one of the reasons to watch TNA.
Code Red Writes:
I want to say high road...but unfortunately I have to go with both roads. TNA has finally given EY something solid to do. The initial heel turn on Jeff was good but it was forgotten. Making him the leader of this new heel stable is a great way to showcase a new side to him, having been a goofy face for so long. The new look and the 'banned' piledriver are particularly interesting.
However I don't know how long World Elite will last and how EY himself will get to prove himself. I mean when was the last time he was part of the X-division? This is kinda why they should have created a midcard belt instead of the Legend's title. Furthermore the other guys in the stable vary in terms of talent and potential-Doug is obviously an accomplished vet, Magnus is young but should have a decent future with the right push, Kiyoshi is OK but dull, Bashir is mediocre and Rob Terry seems useless.
Sat: They might have wanted to expand on the Jarrett thing, but we all know what happened with Jarrett.
Uncletrunx: I like the "banned" Piledriver; it's one of the most interesting things they've done in recent times. I'd like to see the combined stable cut down a lot, as you suggest; keep a few key guys from each side and focus on the up and comers, like Young. Will it happen? Probably not, but we can hope.
BobbyC Writes:
High Road
Although I don't watch a lot of TNA, I did notice two things about Eric Young. He was over with the crowd, no matter how stupid his gimmick was at the time. And he always surprised me with his in-ring ability - namely his surprising strength.
He might be the third most credible in-ring heel right now, behind Angle and Joe. None of the other heels (Steiner, Booker, Nash) can go at the same level in-ring.
He's always had the right size, in-ring ability and talking/promo skills. And now he has a character that is not an idiot - so I'm interested is seeing where he goes.
Sat: I'll agree with this, Eric Young was definitely over as a baby face. I would agree that he also one of the more over heel in TNA right now.
Uncletrunx: Eric Young has the potential to go all the way to the top. I'm just not convinced that this is the way he will get there.
Jaime Writes:
Definitely high road. This reminds me of Triple H's heel turn on DX. It gave him the opportunity to become the best heel the WWF 99-00. Eric may not accend to such heights but it's a start. BTW, giving Young the pedigree instead of the piledriver would probably make him an even bigger heel.
Sat: Didn't Jarrett use that as a transition move against Kurt Angle.
Uncletrunx: Giving him the Pedigree would make him look like a HHH knock off in the eyes of too many people. In my view, the Piledriver is a good move to give him, and giving it "banned" status is also a good move.
Andis Writes:
High road
The guy is entertaining with whatever gimmick he is given. He pretty much has the midas touch. He made a gimmick of being afraid to death of monster-heels and pyro entertaining! Who else has done that successfully without having their career spiral shortly afterwards? It also gives him a prominent role on-screen after not having one in a long time. Whatever puts him on my TV in an entertaining way definitely works for me. Just having on PPV cards upgrades it with his presence.
Sat: This is my general opinion on Eric.
Uncletrunx: As I say, he could go all the way to the top.
Orlando Writes:
High Road. I would dare say the development of Eric Young into a heel has almost been on par with CM Punk's turn.
The bottom line of a successful heel turn is that you have to make the audience believe in it. Mission accmoplished. Also, to make him the head of a faction makes him even more credible.
I do agree with one commenter that in order for him to truly get over he will need to win the Legend's title or get over on Mick Foley in order to elevate his status.
Sat: I think if he wins the Legends Title, then his heel turn has definitely been a success.
Uncletrunx: Foley has no problems with putting over new talent – Eric would be an ideal candidate to get the rub from him while it still means something.
The Great Captain Smooth Writes:
High Road. Eric has been a face for so long. It's not bad, just odd to see him like this. Maybe, this storyline will add something to his character. I just hope he gets a chance to spread his wings in the ring. I also find it funny that out of Team Canada, Young was always a face and now he's a heel. Also, Robert Roode has always been a heel, and now he's a face. There's a symmetry to that I find fun to watch.
Sat: I'll admit it is odd, but it is fun to watch.
Uncletrunx: It is somewhat strange. It'll take a bit of getting used to.
Col Writes:
I was so close to going Both Roads as Young is such a believable face. It's quite odd to see him as a heel again after being such a good and over face character so long...but it's fresh and well timed. So....
I'm going High Road on the whole. TNA are starting to finally make me believe that they're slowwwwwwly turning in the right direction. I've always thought Young was a damn good wrestler and he had masses of potential that TNA constantly overlooked. Week in week out Young would be pushed then dropped, pushed then dropped. His current turn fits into that perfectly and also seems to come at a time when TNA are finally looking to push the right people and phase out the older names.
I hope to see Young and guys like The British Invasion take over the roles of the major heels once the MEM winds down and people like Sting, Nash and Steiner fade off into retirement or much less ring time. TNA are showing signs of building the new faces like Young, Morgan and others and moving towards this so for that reason I'm going High. Let's just hope they keep it up!
Sat: I don't think that Eric Young's heel turn is enough of a sign that TNA is turning the corner.
Uncletrunx: I hope you're right. It's a situation which could set up a bright future for TNA, if it's handled well. Will it be handled well? That's the $6,000,000 question…
Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at satuncletrunx@gmail.com or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week's column.
Low Road.Matt Hardy reuniting with Jeff and turning back face will do nothing for his career.When Jeff leaves Matt will probably come close winning the World Championship but won't.If he stays face I see an IC title run more likely and if he turns heel probably the same thing.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Both roads, just because it hasn't played out yet. I'll have a better idea of which road to take after Summerfest.
I guess whether its a swerve or Matt is really a face again though, I guess the idea is to try to give him a rub through Jeff, before he leaves, which I think only works for Matt as a face.(He already turned on Jeff at the Royal Rumble, how much good could another attack do?
Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Low Road.Matt Hardy reuniting with Jeff and turning back face will do nothing for his career.When Jeff leaves Matt will probably come close winning the World Championship but won't.If he stays face I see an IC title run more likely and if he turns heel probably the same thing.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 12:44 PM
In no way could anything involving Jeff Hardy be considered a high road. As long as he is involved, it's low road.
Posted By: David (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 12:52 PM
High Road
Posted By: BPN (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 12:58 PM
When the fuck did this happen? I need to start watching SD!
Posted By: Jeremy (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Both Roads (which is a first for me).
I don't know where they are going with this. Although it's obvious that Matt will turn on Jeff (probably at SummerSlam), McMahon and company love nothing more than to not deliver on something the IWC is clammoring for.
If the reunion happens, and there are no twists and turns, then this is a Low Road. It would be lazy booking to try and get Matt over as his brother's protector especially since he spent a good few months trying to destroy him.
High Road if they use this (as expected) to elevate Matt's heel status. Him turning on his brother - beating him down and "ending" his career - this would make him the most hated man in the same demographics as those that love him (ages 7-15).
Posted By: BobbyC (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Low road, i dont want to see Matt win the world title as i dont think hes quite good enough which may happen if he stays face & fueds with Punk after Jeffs gone.
I really hope its a swerve & he takes out Jeff.
Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Why do this now? Why not wait for the story to continue, it's only been 2 weeks.
Posted By: Guest#6152 (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 03:13 PM
High Road. Matt still could pull off the big swerve and attack Jeff at Summerslam. After all Matt's reasons for hating Jeff are somewhat similar to CM Punk's.
The other benefit is that Matt could get his muched deserved push and be the one that avenges his brother.
Both have reasonable angles to come out of this reunion and I for one believe this is the most interesting thing going into Summerslam.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Low road. I like both guys a lot (even Jeff contrary to the general hate he gets from the IWC), but it seems like nothing but a short term mark out moment. Jeff might be leaving soon and I doubt Matt will get any future push out of this.
Sigh, I miss Team Xtreme - Matt, Jeff and Lita. Can't believe it was nearly 10 years ago.
Posted By: Code Red (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM
*yawn*
High road. Matt Hardy has to be a face to make money and if he stays heel it fucks Punk over.
Mainstream fans believe in Matt Hardy as a face, not as a heel.
Critically or creatively, most people or analysts think Hardy is a better heel than face, and, that may well be correct logically.
However, the fact is that the mainstream view him as a face, and that is what they want.
So to make cash, and make the mainstream audience who pay you buy in, you have to make him face.
If you heel him up and swerve, you take Punks heat, weakening Punk, and put Hardy in a position that the mainstream fans dislike.
Keeping Matt heel, and screwing Jeff at the ppv, is probably more storyline logical, better critically and makes Jeff fans hate Matt for a while. However, you've just lost your #1 face, put Matt where casuals don't want him, and stolen Punks' heat, cuz he was not the man that retired Jeff.
Worse, you have two m.e heels at the top of the card, with your de facto top face(Rey) in a programme with someone else, and you have to hotshot the undertaker in there with no build with Matt, and try to make Morrison/Punk the major feud.
You have to bite the bullett, accept the Matt turn fucked up, and put him where he needs to be as best you can.
Because otherwise you just fucked Punk's heat and gave it to someone else for storyline, when the mainstream fans dislike it.
Emotional storyline and fan's desire ain't the same as the storytelling logic in this case. This is a case where the correct thing logically and from an individual story p.o.v is totally wrong for the overall picture.
Posted By: hay hom (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 04:18 PM
No road yet. It's just too early. I really don't want to see Matt turn heel again. People would see that coming, so just have him stay on Jeff's side. As far as a reason for the reunion goes, they could have Matt come out and talk about the medical problems that he has been going through. He would go on to say that one night Jeff called him to see that he was okay and for the past month or so, they have been trying to mend fences. Jeff could easily go down with a kayfabe injury at SS and perhaps Matt could take Jeff's place in an angle with Punk. Maybe Matt could even win the Rumble and go on to win a "big" belt at WM 26. To top that off, Jeff could come out to the ring and embrace his brother in a rather emotional moment. Then BAM! A Twist of Fate to Matt by Jeff and we have a shocking heel turn. Just kidding, while it would have people talking, I wouldn't want to ruin the moment.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 04:42 PM
I have to go low road simply based simply on promo time and interviews,as a face matt was lost in the shuffle on every show including ecw,i am a big fan of matt and hate jeff's pandering to everyone with free spirit BS but then again i hate hippies as a plague to all mankind.
That being said does anyone,casual fan and smark alike really think they are ready to hand matt goldie when jeff is not around?
If and a big if at that,he can recapture his Mattitude V.1 persona momentum i can see it but we are what five years removed from matt's best gimmick and the 'E has shown little to no faith in the guy with aborted program and derailed push after derailed push,how does the number#2 heel on SD get drafted in mid fued to become a buttom rung mechanic to the undercard on Raw?
His job was to make Vickie Guerrero look good,terrible for the easily more technically sound,oratorically gifted hardy.
Posted By: Showster (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 04:57 PM
High Road: Matt can't get anywhere as a heel, but when he's a face, he connects with the fans and he gets good reactions. He'd be better as a face.
Posted By: Mattitude (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Low Road
Posted By: Guest#5007 (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 05:51 PM
What the fuck happend to the X division???
Posted By: The X-Factor_2324 (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 07:04 PM
Both roads
Posted By: Guest#1186 (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 08:46 PM
High Road
It's simple. Matt got sent back to SD! and Jeff is leaving. If they do nothing and slot Matt in somewhere else as a heel, and when Jeff leave's, Matt will always have his brothers ghost hanging over him. Whether Matt avenges his brother, or helps take him out, it takes the giant glass elephant out of the room, and Matt as a character can continue to evolve.
Posted By: Marijuana Boulevard (Guest) on August 21, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Low Road.
I mean, from a character standpoint, the mutual forgiveness kinda makes sense. However, the overall result is still Matt Hardy returning to the role of "the other Hardy". After all the Hardy feud did for Matt earlier this year? What a waste...
Posted By: KanyonKreist (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 02:03 PM
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